We’re off on a little adventure, so I thought this was a perfect topic for today’s post: weird things I bring on vacation.
Hi friends! How are you? I hope you are enjoying your day so far! We are having a lot of fun in Hawaii 🙂 I thought it was a good time for this post topic.
When it comes to packing for vacation, we all have our essentials: clothes, toiletries, and maybe a good book. But if you’re like me, your suitcase is also filled with some unconventional items that make your trip not just enjoyable, but downright fabulous. Today, I’m going to share the weird things I take on vacation that make me feel amazing, no matter where I am. 😉
Weird things I wear on vacation
EquiLife daily nutritional support
Traveling can disrupt your usual diet, so I always pack my EquiLife daily nutritional support. This all-in-one powder ensures I get my essential vitamins and minerals, even when my meals are less nutrient-dense than usual. It’s a complete blend of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and digestive enzymes. A quick shake in the morning and I’m ready for the day. I take it every day and it makes me feel amazing, so there’s no way I’d travel without it.
EquiLife daily nutritional support It is particularly helpful when you have irregular meal times or limited healthy options. It helps me maintain my energy levels and keeps my immune system strong.
Supplements
Speaking of nutrition, I don’t leave home without my daily supplements. From magnesium to omega-3s, vitamin C, and herbal supplements, I have a small pill organizer that I travel everywhere with me. Magnesium helps with relaxation and muscle recovery, especially after long days of sightseeing. Omega-3s support brain health and reduce inflammation, while vitamin C boosts the immune system, keeping me resilient to travel-related stress and exposure to new environments.
Herbal supplements tailored to my needs add an extra layer of support, but it’s important to keep in mind that what works for me may not work for everyone. This is where functional testing comes into play. By understanding my unique bodily needs through testing, I ensure that I’m taking the right supplements. These tests can identify deficiencies and help tailor a supplement regimen to your specific needs, ensuring that you’re not just guessing, but optimizing your health efficiently.
Brazil nuts
They may seem like a regular snack, but Brazil nuts are my secret weapon for maintaining selenium levels. Just one or two a day covers my selenium needs, which is great for thyroid health. Selenium is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage, boosts the immune system, and plays a role in maintaining cognitive function. Plus, they’re a delicious snack that’s easy to keep on hand.
Brazil nuts are also rich in healthy fats, protein, and fiber, making them a great option to keep hunger at bay between meals. They’re convenient and require no preparation, making them perfect for traveling. Whether I’m hiking, exploring a new city, or just lounging on the beach, eating a couple of Brazil nuts each day helps keep my nutrient intake balanced and my energy levels stable.
Melatonin and magnesium
Sleep is essential, especially when crossing time zones. I take melatonin to help me fall asleep and magnesium to promote relaxation and muscle recovery. Melatonin is a natural hormone that helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle, making it easier to adapt to new time zones and improve sleep quality. Taking melatonin about 30 minutes before bed helps me relax and fall asleep more easily, even in unfamiliar surroundings. This is the one I use. (You can use FITNESSISTA10 to get 10% off EquiLife products.)
Magnesium, On the other hand, it is known for its calming effects on the nervous system and its role in muscle relaxation. It can help reduce anxiety and promote a sense of calm, which is particularly helpful when dealing with travel stress. Together, melatonin and magnesium help ensure quality rest, no matter how unfamiliar the bed is. This combination is a lifesaver in maintaining my energy and mood throughout my trip. I use a oral magnesium and a topical spray. (Friendly reminder: always consult with a doctor before adding new supplements to your routine.)
Snack bags for everyone
Airports, long car rides, and sightseeing can make finding healthy snacks difficult. I pack snack bags for everyone in the family, filled with things like trail mix, bars, jerky, dried fruit, packets of almond butter, and some sort of sweet snack. This way, we know everyone has something on hand that they like, since airport food can be expensive and unpredictable. Having a variety of snacks on hand also means we’re prepared for any unexpected delays or long waits, ensuring no one is left feeling grumpy about hunger.
Making these snack bags ahead of time is a small effort that pays off big. It’s also a great way to control portions and ensure we’re all eating nutrient-dense foods instead of turning to junk food. My kids love having their own snack bags, and it makes traveling with them so much easier. Plus, it’s a fun way to introduce them to new, healthy foods they might not otherwise try. They still have food from the airport or waiting room, but having a snack bag in everyone’s backpack is essential.
Compression socks
They are a must for long flights, I usually use them on flights longer than five hours. These are the best! Compression stockings help improve circulation and prevent swelling, which makes me feel more comfortable and can reduce the risk of blood clots. They work by applying gentle pressure to the legs, which helps blood flow back to the heart more efficiently. This is particularly important during prolonged periods of sitting, such as on flights or long car rides.
I have discovered that using compression socks They make a noticeable difference in how my legs feel after a long trip. They reduce fatigue and prevent the heavy, sore feeling that often accompanies travel. Plus, they now come in cute designs, so I don’t feel like I’m carrying medical equipment. It’s a small addition to my travel wardrobe that provides significant health benefits and helps me feel my best.
My own soap and laundry detergent capsules
There is something comforting about having your own soap, especially if you have sensitive skin. I carry a small bottle of my favorite soap to prevent any possible skin reactions to unfamiliar hotel products and also unfamiliar soap ingredients. It’s a small homey touch that makes any place feel more comfortable. I also carry detergent pods so I can wash clothes on the go if we’re going on a long trip (7+ days). Coming home with clean clothes is one less chore to worry about after vacation.
Having laundry pods means I can travel lighter and quickly wash a load of laundry mid-trip if needed. It’s particularly useful for longer trips or when travelling with kids, who seem to go through laundry at an alarming rate.
Things for eye care
Eye drops, eyelid wipes, warm compresses, and extra contact lenses are must-haves for me. Dry eyes and lost contact lenses can ruin a day of sightseeing, so I make sure to bring everything I need. Traveling can be hard on the eyes due to dry airplane air, varying climates, and long periods of time in front of screens for browsing or entertainment. Having eye care essentials ensures my eyes stay comfortable and healthy.
(I also have to take a moment of silence. When we went to Italy and Greece last year, I worried a lot about my eyes and that was a huge distraction. Now that I’m healed and have a routine set up, I was able to enjoy 10 days in Seville without worrying about my eyes at all. I just kept up my routine! I just wanted to share this as a little hope for my fellow dry eye sufferers.)
Weighted blanket
This may seem a little extra, but I’m adding it. A travel-sized weighted blanket. It helps me sleep better and is worth the extra weight in my suitcase or carrying it in my carry-on. Weighted blankets are known for their therapeutic benefits, such as promoting relaxation and improving sleep quality. The gentle pressure mimics a hug, which can help reduce stress and improve sleep overall.
The travel version is perfect for packing and offers the same benefits as the regular size one I use at home. It’s great for cold hotel rooms, especially when so many people use such thin blankets these days. I like HEAVY blankets, like a big fluffy duvet. Bringing my weighted blanket ensures I can relax and sleep well, which is crucial to keeping my energy up and enjoying my trip to the fullest.
J Pillow
Last but not least, my faithful J PillowThis travel pillow is a game-changer for airplane and car naps. It supports my neck and chin, preventing that dreaded head roll and ensuring I wake up without neck pain. Traditional travel pillows often fail to provide adequate support, but the unique shape of the J-Pillow keeps my head and neck aligned.
Whether you’re on a long-haul flight or a short road trip, J Pillow It helps me get a good night’s sleep. It’s lightweight and easy to pack, making it the perfect travel companion. Getting a good night’s sleep makes all the difference, and I’m so happy to have found an airplane pillow that works for me.
Do you have any unconventional items that you bring on vacation? Share your must-haves in the comments below!
hugs and kisses
Gina
